Where are you from and what brought you to Arizona? I am from a small town in Southwest Virginia, Hillsville. I have very humble roots. Looking back on my childhood it almost seems as if it should have been a TV show. My father is the mayor and I held the crown for all the local beauty pageants (lol).  In college I met my now 6 year old son’s father and did what every girl is told not to do and moved to Phoenix with him following graduation. Today, I am SO happy I did. I absolutely love all things Arizona and would have never found my new home otherwise. 

What’s your hidden talent or random unknown fact about you? Unfortunately, I have no talents, which really impacted my pageant game back in the day, haha. However, I can sing every word to just about any 90s-2000s country song out there. Try me.

What are 3 items you can’t live without? This is easy for me – rosé, fresh cut flowers and my iPhone. Rosé keeps me sane. Fresh flowers keep me happy. And, my iPhone keeps me connected to my family and friends across the country. 

Where is your dream vacation location? I am a total beach girl. There is nothing I love more than a warm, exotic beach and a drink in hand. However, I would love to tour the Egyptian Pyramids. There is something I find so alluring about riding a camel dressed in flowing Egyptian gear touring one of the most incredible wonders of the world. 

What community organization are you passionate about and why? There are two at the top of my list –  Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and Streetlight USA. Fresh Start is a very special place to me as they help women in transitional points in their lives whether it be escaping domestic violence, learning a new job skill, etc. 69% of those aided by Fresh Start are single mothers, which hits home for me as I was a child of a single mother and saw that struggle first hand. Streetlight USA is an organization that houses adolescent girls saved from sex trafficking right here in our own backyard. When first introduced to Streetlight, I felt rather uncomfortable as no one wants to think about sex trafficking. I started realizing that discomfort is what keeps this dark operation running – there aren’t enough people willing to face this head on. I am grateful to serve both Streetlight and Fresh Start.

What’s your superpower? I am an incredible listener. I don’t always have advice but I have a ton of empathy and an ear that’s always open. I will talk to anyone and truly feel what they’re feeling. This is one reason I am in a perfect position in my career. Sometimes my broker will say “Courtney, get to the point…” while I am going on and on about our client’s personal situations and how we can help them in detail. 

What’s your favorite place to grab drinks and a bite to eat? My favorite place in the world is the Andaz in Maui, Hawaii… However, when I can’t make it there, I love going to North Italia for a bowl of pasta and their signature Juiletta cocktail.  It’s my #1 favorite drink ever.

 What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My grandma (Mawma) always says “Pretty is as pretty does”. I have always taken this to heart. I think society can be so worried about outward appearances, weight, clothes, cars, designer purchases. We often forget about “pretty actions” – being kind, taking care of one another and choosing to do the right thing.

What’s your business? I am the VP at Mango Mortgage with my best friend and broker, Richelle Ruckrich. Together, we run a two-woman mortgage brokerage helping clients shop for the “dream mortgages” on their dream homes. I work on the front end helping clients become prequalified and under contract. Then my partner, Richelle, takes over and moves their file to closing.

What makes you and your business different? We are different in a few ways. First, we have little to no overhead so we do not charge our clients any fees for our services and pay for their appraisals. Second, as a brokerage, our lenders compete for our client’s business and we choose who has the best rate, terms and service for each individual client’s exact needs. Lastly, we are local and women owned and operated. Finance is a “Man’s World” and we are here to change that! We are taking the intimidation out of mortgage, educating our client’s and partners and bringing a more feminine touch to what is typically perceived as stringent and daunting.   

How can people support your business? The obvious answer would be to use Mango Mortgage for your next home purchase or refinance! You can also support me by sharing with those in your circle so our name is top of mind when your next friend or family member is in need of residential financing. Being a small company, we aren’t a household name like large banks or institutions. We would love to make a name for ourselves in Arizona to be top of mind for those who wish to have a personal one-on-one cost free mortgage in the future.